On 28 and 29 February 2024, the World Custom Organization (WCO) hosted the annual Coordinators Meeting of the WCO Anti-Corruption and Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programme at its Secretariat in Brussels. This gathering brought together Member representatives from 22 active partner administrations, tasked with spearheading the A-CIP Programme’s efforts in their respective countries.
The participants were welcomed by the WCO Deputy Secretary General, Ricardo Treviño Chapa, who set the tone by emphasizing the Programme’s significant strides in enhancing Customs integrity worldwide. Special guests, representing the A-CIP Programme’s two funding partners, included Mr. Alain Gendron, Ambassador of Canada to Belgium, who underscored Canada’s commitment to combating corruption and fostering economic development through Customs integrity. From the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), Ms. Toril Iren Pedersen contributed via a video message, applauding the A-CIP Programme’s tailored, impactful approach to technical assistance.
Highlighting the innovative tools and methods deployed, Mr. Treviño pointed to the Customs Integrity Perception Survey (CIPS) as a cornerstone for gathering actionable insights into the integrity perceptions within Customs administrations. This tool exemplifies the Programme’s dedication to data-driven strategies for enhancing transparency and accountability.
Ambassador Gendron further celebrated the collaborative efforts to integrate gender equality into the fight against corruption, showcasing Canada’s gender-responsive approach as a model for creating more inclusive and effective Customs environments. This sentiment was echoed by Ms. Pedersen, who lauded the Programme’s communitiy of practice initiatives for fostering localized support networks that enhance the capacity of Customs administrations.
Over the course of the two-day meeting, discussions flourished around the achievements of 2023, with a particular focus on the development of regional communities of practice, the role of training in supporting integrity, and the strategic use of data for sustaining progress. The dialogue culminated in a forward-looking sustainability planning session, where participants brainstormed ways to maintain momentum in the fight against corruption, highlighting the importance of collective action, gender equality, diversity, and robust data management.
For more information on the WCO A-CIP Programme, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.